A new study published in Cell Biology revealed that a dose of an antidepressant can actually alter the human brain's network. The study, titled "Serotonergic Modulation of Intrinsic Functional Connectivity" was conducted by Alexander Schaefer, Inga Burmann, Ralf Regenthal, Katrin Arélin, Claudia Barth, André Pampel, Arno Villringer, Daniel S. Margulies and Julia Sacher.

The researchers specifically pointed out that a dose of serotonin reuptake inhibitor, an antidepressant, dramatically alters functional connectivity in the brain of healthy subjects. The study utilized a network-centrality analysis that showed drop in connectivity channels in the brain's cortical and subcortical areas.

However, it was noted that localized increases were found in the cerebellum, responsible for balance and coordination and the thalamus, serving as the relay station of all sensations.

The study made use of two groups: the experimental group which included subjects who took the drug and the control group or those who did not. The researchers basically let the subjects' minds wander as desired and investigated through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

The alterations recorded were rapid and noted to be associated with acute serotonin transporter blockade. Such observation raises the importance of conducting further studies on psychopharmacologic drugs.

Usually, the effects of most antidepressants are noted weeks after the initial dose. The study came as a surprise because these changes are observed only within a matter of hours--3 hours to be exact, as reported by Daily Digest News. The outlet quoted Julia Sacher, "What was really surprising was that the entire brain would light up after only three hours. We didn't expect that."

The study reaffirmed a previous discovery: more serotonin meant decreased functional activity (depression). The new findings reveal that not all parts of the brain had the same effect, with some becoming more interdependent.

According to LA Times, Sacher said the study did not have subjects who were diagnosed with depression. Future research suggestions include generating similar maps among those diagnosed with clinical depression, and including the duration and end of depressive episodes in the study. After-treatment observation will also be helpful.

Clinically termed as Major Depressive Disorder, depression comes in many types and presenting signs and symptoms, according to Mayo Clinic. It includes feelings of sadness and emptiness, angry outbursts, irritability, loss of interest in normal activities, sleep disturbances (lack or too much), changes in appetite (lack or too much), excessive worrying and so much more. The source added that depression gets worse over time - it is highly encouraged to seek consultation as soon as one feels "depressed."

Suicide is the hallmark, end-of-life complication of depression.